We are half way through the astrological year which begins in March with the Sun’s entry into Aries. Monday, Sun and Moon meet in the 15th degree of Libra, half way through that sign. We are once more at a place of balance between dark and light, but headed towards the darkest moment of the year. We feel it in our bodies, and in the rapid approach of evening.

photo: Bruce Lhuillier

Persephone, the wife of Hades returns to her kingdom in the Underworld.

Hades

Upon her sudden entrance

to the Kingdom of the Dead,

the childlike Persephone

was transformed,

her light stripped away.

For no maiden

may walk the halls of Hades.

Yet the story does not end here,

in shame and loss.

While the gateway was harsh,

the castle was full of pleasures,

and Persephone came to cherish

the shadowless towers,

the rolling dark meadows,

and strange fruit and flowers.

Those who have not traveled these lands

should not speak of their imagined gloom.

She who had once run carefree,

a flower by her mother’s side,

now walked with purpose,

her household in awe

of her quiet gaze.

poem: Sarah Fuhro

Today Venus begins to travel in retrograde. She starts the journey in Scorpio, a location full of deep feeling and intensity, and then reenters Libra, a place of balance. She visits a sign ruled by Mars (Scorpio), and then settles back into a sign ruled by Venus (Libra). With Venus in retrograde we all have an opportunity to see ourselves in relationships as our lovers and partners see us. Venus retrograde holds the mirror up to us.

photo: Sarah Fuhro

Persephone’s mother, Demeter/Ceres is one degree from the new Moon. Perhaps the relationship we must reflect upon during this Venus retrograde is a connection to our mother, the Earth. But we are interwoven with Earth. How can we ‘relate’ to her? Perhaps through the relationship of the Moon and the Sun we can understand the way to live in harmony with our planet. The Sabian Symbol for the degree where Ceres is located is: ‘Circular Paths.’ ‘It is only when the individual has become fully attuned to, and in a sense identified with the vast planetary and cosmic rhythms of the universe, and thus free from emotional and group tensions, that he can act serenely and at peace along ‘circular paths.'” Dane Rudhyar, The Astrology of Personality.

photo: Bruce Lhuillier

Sarah Fuhro is an astrologer, flower essence practitioner and Tarot reader. She consults with clients and teaches these ancient arts as well. You can reach her at Sarahfuhro@gmail.com.